More Odd News from Iran

This week there were several stories out of and about Iran that picked up lots of attention, all of which served as reminders that we have a long way to go to really understanding that place.

First there was the silliness about the male haircuts deemed permissible under Islam. As far as I can tell, mullets are in, but ponytails are out. I don’t have much to add about this particular tidbit other than that it makes for a funny story. Clearly these guidelines will be impossible to enforce, but it will be fun to watch the Iranian morality police try.

Then there was news that Iranian airliners will not be allowed to re-fuel at European airports; apparently a first clear indication of the new sanctions being implemented. No one has come out definitively as to whether this is actually happening or not, but the official line from Iranian government that such measures will have no ill impact on Iran tell me that 1.) the regime is worried about this and 2.) this may have a big impact on Iran.

Lastly, in the glimmer of hope category, after a major campaign by human rights activists around the world, a woman set to be stoned to death as punishment for adultery seems to be safe from that fate, for the time being at least.

It appears that some elements in power in Iran are finally realizing that they’re actions are being watched by the rest of the world. One can only hope that leads to more sound decision making.